TLDR: Samsung officially added Perplexity AI as a built-in agent on Galaxy S26 devices. You can activate it with Hey Plex or by holding the side button. It works across Samsung apps, powers Bixby’s web search and sits alongside Gemini and Bixby giving you real AI choice on one device.
So What Actually Happened?
At Galaxy Unpacked on February 25 in San Francisco, Samsung confirmed something that had been rumored for months. Perplexity AI is now a core part of the Galaxy experience. Not just a downloaded app, not a shortcut. An actual system-level agent built right into One UI 8.5.
If you’ve never used Perplexity before, think of it like Google Search but smarter, faster and it actually gives you real answers instead of a wall of links.
How Do You Use It?
It’s pretty straightforward. Just say Hey Plex or press and hold the side button on your Galaxy S26. That’s it. You’re in.
From there, Perplexity can help you out directly inside apps you already use every day:
- Samsung Notes — ask questions while you’re writing
- Gallery — search or get context about your photos
- Calendar & Reminder — get smart suggestions in real time
- Clock — yes, even there
No switching apps. No copy-pasting. It just works where you already are.
Wait — What About Bixby and Gemini?
They’re still there, and that’s kind of the point. Samsung isn’t trying to replace anyone. Instead, Galaxy AI acts like a smart coordinator. It figures out which assistant is best for the job and sends your request there.
- Bixby handles your phone settings and everyday device tasks
- Gemini digs into complex reasoning and productivity
- Perplexity jumps in when you need real-time answers from the web
Samsung said nearly 80% of users already use more than two AI tools daily. This setup finally makes that feel seamless instead of chaotic.
The Bixby Glow-Up Nobody Talked About
Here’s the part that didn’t get enough attention. Perplexity now powers web search inside Bixby too. So even if you never say Hey Plex a single time, Bixby’s search results are going to be way better than before.
For anyone who gave up on Bixby years ago. This might actually be the reason to give it another shot.
Why Samsung Did This
This isn’t just a cool feature drop. It’s a strategy. Apple is still betting big on Siri doing everything in-house. Samsung is going the opposite direction build an open ecosystem and let the best AI tools win.
With Galaxy AI features set to hit 800 million cumulative devices this year. The Perplexity integration is one of the biggest AI rollouts in consumer tech, full stop.
Should You Care about Perplexity AI to Galaxy
If you’re on a Galaxy S26 absolutely. If you’re on an older Galaxy flagship. Samsung hinted that updates are coming, so keep an eye out for One UI 8.5 rolling out to your device.
Either way, your Galaxy is about to feel like a completely different phone. And for once, the AI hype actually seems worth it.
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FAQ
What is Perplexity AI on Samsung Galaxy S26?
Perplexity AI is a system-level AI agent built into the Galaxy S26. It delivers real-time web answers directly inside Samsung apps like Notes, Gallery, and Calendar no separate app needed
How do you activate Perplexity on Galaxy S26?
Say Hey Plex or press and hold the side button on your Galaxy S26. Perplexity will launch instantly inside whatever app you’re already using
Does Perplexity AI work on older Samsung Galaxy phones?
Currently, Perplexity AI integration launches with the Galaxy S26 series. Samsung has hinted that older Galaxy flagships may receive the feature through future One UI 8.5 updates.
